Scotland and Edinburgh flanker John Hardie has been handed a three-month suspension following the conclusion of an internal investigation for gross misconduct.
Hardie, 29, was initially suspended by Edinburgh at the end of October for the alleged use of cocaine.
The ban, part of a range of sanctions, will run from when Hardie was initially suspended last month, meaning he will be unavailable for Edinburgh until mid-January next year.
Born in New Zealand, Hardie made his debut for Scotland in 2015, the same year he helped the Highlanders lift their first Super Rugby title, after qualifying to play for the national side through his grandmother.
He has since won 16 Test caps, scoring three tries, but missed Scotland's November Test matches due to his suspension including the wins over Australia and Samoa.
Hardie's contract is also set to expire at the end of the current season, having signed a new one-year deal in May.
An Edinburgh Rugby spokesperson, said: “John has co-operated with the disciplinary process throughout.
“He has acknowledged the serious mistake he has made as a professional athlete and has accepted full responsibility for his conduct.
“It has been made clear that we are not prepared to tolerate the behaviour which caused this situation.
